Celebrating the importance & beauty of wordless picture books

This month at Tiny Owl, we’re launching a campaign to celebrate the importance and beauty of wordless picture books. We want to investigate some intriguing questions – why are wordless picture books important? Do they fill a gap that books with words can’t fill? Are their messages more universal? Do they aid literacy? Or is it just that they’re so beautiful to look at?We contacted experts in all kinds of areas of the book industry, from authors and illustrators to booksellers and journalists, as well as teachers and parents, to ask them for their thoughts. Here are the first four responses from Nicolette Jones, Julia Patton, Duncan Partridge and Catell Ronca.​Here is the full interview and further information.

They were given this question:Wordless picture books are becoming more popular with people of all ages. Why do you think this is?

Nicolette Jones:Sometimes their silence is golden!Wordless picture books can be effective ways of telling a story, and works of art. They involve interpretation and creativity on the part of readers, and some, such as Shaun Tan’s The Arrival, Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, Quentin Blake’s Clown and Jeannie Baker’s Belonging (and Mirror) reward the most sophisticated attention. They also have the advantage of inclusivity: they reach speakers of any language, the very young and those who find reading difficult. They remind us that pictures can convey both ideas and narrative, independently of text, and there is no reason why school children and students should not be encouraged to analyse them as they would a written story. Sometimes, their silence is golden.*Nicolette Jones is Children’s books Editor at TheSunday Times.

Julia Patton:Wordless books transcend language barriersOur industry is lucky to be championed by publishers, educationalists and parents that understand and actively promote the importance of sharing a book with a child as early as possible. In my experience, even sharing a book with words with a very young child is often edited to reduce the vocabulary until their literary comprehension advances. I personally devoured picture books before I could read or spell, specifically Richard Scarry’s books filled with endless details to discover. I actually ate one page because I loved it so very much, behaviour I don’t condone! As an author and illustrator I’ve always believed it’s my privilege and responsibility to illuminate characters, suggesting the magical whilst interpreting the unspoken. A wordless book passes on that incredible gift to whoever turns the first page… A wordless book is the ultimate visual communication tool that encourages, sometimes demands, the viewer’s interaction. One has the opportunity and creative freedom to become the narrator, and potentially the same book may never be described the same way twice. A wordless book is a springboard for personal interpretation, allowing the reader to hear their own voice and personally identify with the protagonist and themes. Wordless books transcend language barriers, breach learning gaps and plant the seeds of adventure into the youngest of hearts. They are masterclasses in beauty and narrative, expanding the visual, verbal and empathetic vocabulary of any child. I’ve witnessed a wordless book being absorbed silently by individuals, and conversely being utilised as a powerful platform for sharing excited questions, taking whole classrooms on unforgettable journeys of wonder. A wordless book is simply a legacy of enchantment.*Julia Patton is an illustrator/author in the UK.

Duncan Partridge:Wordless books cross cultures and open up culturesWordless books cross cultures and open up cultures. Universal themes can be explored through resonant images, which draw on and play with aesthetic traditions and contemporary vision.*Duncan Partridge is Director of Education at The ESU.​

Catell Ronca:Children are naturally very good at improvising!Images appeal deeply and instantly to the human intellect and leave strong impressions more than words can. An image arises first, then comes a word, which then encapsulates aspects of the image. We react to images emotionally and actively, so I believe it is a very pleasurable experience for everyone of all ages to indulge in a purely visual story and make sense of it without it being explicit. Children are naturally very good at this, telling stories and improvising, but adults need to relearn it and I believe this is the reason why wordless books are so attractive.*Catell Ronca is an illustrator from Switzerland.

SCBWI interview : Style Bibles & Sketchbooks...

Here is an article written by my friend Elizabeth Dulemba an author, illustrator and lecturer for the USA SCBWI magazine. We talk sketchbooks, style bibles, notebooks and journals of all types for every creative... My A-Z, also known as my sketchbook, is incredibly important to my creative process. I scribble and write in it everyday and take it with me when having meetings with publishers. Once a year I completely reconstruct it with new blank pages for another year of ideas, narratives and characters to evolve...

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​​My A-Z, also known as my sketchbook, is vital to my creative process. I draw and write in it everyday and take it with me when having meetings with publishers. I categories my sketchbook alphabetically so I can dip in and out at a moment's notice. B=Bunnies and Bears etc....

​I adore college and typography utilising found lettering and references from other images makers. As you can see from my sketchbook above there is a strong influence upon my picture book illustrations and narratives shown here in my final spreads..

Once a year I completely reconstruct it with new blank pages for another year of ideas, narratives and characters to evolve. Here is a few examples of my recent pages that have inspired picture books...

I've given in. I'm now an official member of the Instagram community. Come on over and see what I get up to in the woodshed. You'll see countryside shenanigans, picture book illustrations, my exotic travels plus a sprinkling of outdoor cooking....

The Border Artist Exhibition: The Watchtower Gallery

I've been producing some large-scale mixed-media paintings on board for this exhibition. Here are the other participating creatives and the work i'll be exhibiting :Gallery

LAUNCH: PICTURES & WORDS CREATIVE PICTURE BOOK WORKSHOPS

Some more updates and feedback for prospective illustration or children's picture book authors who need some one-on-one tutorial time...Thankyou to the very talented Sarah Peel for this. Photograph with Chris Chatterton on his creative writing masterclass. One of his books developed on his PICTURES & WORDS day is slated for publication 2018 with Macmillan.

I have recently launched personalised "Pictures & Words' creative workshops from my rural studio for one-on-one tutorials. These tailor-made courses are specifically designed for creatives wanting feedback on children's picture book texts, illustration advice, portfolio reviews, industry inside information, and how to get your book 'pitch ready'. With advice on re-branding on social media, sketchbook use and trade fairs, these courses are proving to be successful for the handful of creatives that have already made the journey to my rustic woodshed. My aim is to make you the best you can be.

The day commences at 10am-concluding at 3pm with lunch included and costs £150.00.

BOLOGNA HIGHLIGHTS 2017

Bologna 2017 was filled with sunshine, beautiful publishing people and adventures aplenty. I had wonderful meetings with Sourcebooks, Albert Whitman, Lerner, Macmillan and Bonnier Publishing which reaffirmed and strengthened our relationships. We spoke about hot-off-the-press projects to be developed over 2017, so watch this space for announcements of new collaborations and new adventures.... oh, and a day exploring Lucca to top it all off.

Oh, Bartelby! after some gentle encouragement from Barnes & Noble has had a title change...and here he is unveiled at Bologna on the Sourcebooks stand!

A proof of Stinker was also revealed at Bologna on the Lerner stand published by ​Carolrhoda Books publication date Sept 2017 next to my previous book Mind Boggling Numbers. EXCITING NEW ANNOUNCEMENT COMING THIS WEEK...

Pre-Bologna madness....

Getting new texts and characters ready to take to Bologna along with new postcards, printed portfolio & sketchbooks. It's always madness at this time of year. Here is a little sneaky peak at my new title BIG RED ROCK EATER. It's going to be mostly collage using recycled papers which will be a new adventure for me. A nod to my previous greeting card & art licensing days working for Paperchase. FUN!

Fab Feb!

Oh, Bartelby! is finished. Stop-the-press, which is one of two books sold to Sourcebooks publication December 2017. I have emerged only briefly to fly down to have some very top-secret meetings in London with the fabulous Macmillan folks. I also have to announce that Snail Mail written by the quite brilliant Samantha Berger is underway which will be published by Hachette, Running Press.

HAPPY NEW YEAR- WELCOME 2107

I've a very happy New Year announcemnet as i'm busy in the studio creating OH, BARTLEBY! for Jabberwocky for Sourcebooks...

IT BEGINS...

November news

Hello! I’m delighted to welcome the super-talented Julia Patton to my hellopipski blog. It will be fascinating to find out how an illustrator of picture books operates! Julia has illustrated many books such as Mind Boggling Numbers by Michael Rosen and Professor McQuark and the Oojamflip by Lou Treleaven, and she also writes and illustrates her own books such as Drat That Fat Cat and Unstoppable Max.Hi Julia! Can you tell us how you got into illustration? I knew ever since I was very little that I wanted to draw. I spent every hour cutting and sticking inside my hand-made sketchbooks. This eventually lead me to choose my undergraduate subject in Textile Design which was very fine art-based. I then spent many years creating greeting cards and wrap for international stores.My interest in children’s picture books was reignited when I began sourcing books for my own small boys. I fell in love with picture books and I knew it was time to go back to big school myself. I swiftly enrolled on the MA Illustration program at Edinburgh University and had my first picture book Unstoppable Maxwas published a year later.

How do you like your workspace organised?I work in a rural woodshed in the wilds of Northumberland which is terribly romantic and perfect for a creative mind; however it’s freezing! ‘Character building’ I’ve been told…. I’m a rather spoilt creative as I have two studios, one indoor and one in my woodshed. I mostly dwell inside the woodshed overlooking my vegetable garden. Inside I’ve got an enormous 6′ double-skinned, hand build desk (with a wide shelf in between where I have all my papers, and portfolios to hand).From left to right is the ‘messy desk’ where I can gradually move along from the sticky, painting area, getting gradually to the dry media zone. I have children’s picture book reference library here and in my inside studio inside where I keep my digital suite.I love to have all my pencils in colour order, everything neat and tidy until I’m painting then all the rules are broken. Mess rules. This is sometimes when the most loveliest accidents occur. I have an eclectic music collection playing from movie soundtracks to Yo Yo Ma to Radio 1. The closer the deadline the louder the music, it keeps me from getting distracted. I work everyday including weekends from 9-4 and then in the evenings late if I needed to as I have two ever hungry boys who need their Momma.What’s your favourite medium to use? I work with traditional media and adore oil paint, watercolour and pencils which I work in collage and hand-printed text that I then scan into my computer to finish. I work with every genre of character if it be an anthropomorphic frog or space pirate princess.My own childhood was heavily influenced by Richard Scarry because of all the funny details I could find, this was later replaced by Heath Robinson with his hypnotic contraptions and fabulous inventions. I adored, and still do, Dr. Seuss’s wonderful books. Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? is a favourite of mine. Now I read every picture book I can get my hands on. I’m initially attracted to the artwork but love deconstructing the narrative.I am now mostly illustrating my own books that I’ve written, which is simply wonderful. As I’m writing the narrative and visuals unfold simultaneously, I struggle to get the pencil scribbled down quickly enough. I usually create a character and then give it a title and figure out what possible journey it/they could go on.The most important issues to remember are the the story arc and being mindful of our splendid diversification. There are just some stories that need to be told. ​I believe every child should be able to see themselves, identify with the themes and hear their voice within a picture book

What are you currently working on? I’m currently working on a story called Oh, Bartelby! which is a very humorous tale of one very long, clumsy sausage dog and his little friends who live in bookstore. No spoilers! Aesthetically it’s more hand-drawn book than my other work with a heartwarming message.

As I’m writing, the narrative and visuals unfold simultaneously, I struggle to get the pencil scribbled down quickly enough. I create a character and then give it a title and figure out what possible journey it/they could go on. I usually have about 5-10 stories ‘growing’ like baby seedlings inside my A-Z sketchbook, which is where my visuals and story ideas live. At any time I can get a call to meet with prospective publishers who’d like to work with me an I show them my A-Z and discuss which story they like the idea of, and we create that book together organically. The story arc and being mindful of our splendid diversification are super important. There are just some stories that need to be told.I believe every child should be able to see themselves, identify with the themes and hear their voice within a picture book. I’m an incredibly privileged creative because I’ve got a huge support system around me. What’s the best thing about your job? I’m an incredibly privileged creative because I’ve got a huge support system around me: My darling agents in the UK and USA numerous superb publishers globally, and my fellow creatives via social media who keep me smiling. I may dwell in a rural woodshed but I’m never far from advice, support, love and humour to keep me motivated!

Many thanks to Julia for taking the time to join us. For those of us facing the challenge of writing picture books, this is just the inspiration we need!Find Julia on twitter @julia_patton and see more of her work here.

Albert Whitman interview in anticipation of DRAT THAT FAT CAT'S publishing date-16th October

I'm delighted to be able to share with you a lovely chat I had with one of my dearest publishers about the creative process of creating DRAT THAT FAT CAT.

Cornelius was not expecting a cat to be left on his doorstep in Drat That Fat Cat! by author-illustrator Julia Patton.We were lucky enough to sit down with Julia Patton to chat about Drat That Fat Cat!, her career trajectory, and the cat—and human—who inspired the story.

Q: How did you become a children’s book author and illustrator?A: When I was very little my earliest memories were playing ‘Post Office’ underneath my Grandma’s kitchen table. I’d spend hours cutting and sticking making envelopes and stamps to post to my long suffering sister. I always knew my heart lay in being a creative so I followed this pathway through my undergraduate in Textile Design which was very fine art-based. I then spent many years creating greeting cards & wrap for international stores. My interest in children’s picture books was reignited when I began sourcing books for my own small boys. I fell in love with picture books and I knew it was time to go back to big school myself. I swiftly enrolled on the MA Illustration program at Edinburgh University and had my first picture book Unstoppable Max was published a year later.

Q: In Drat That Fat Cat! which came first: the text or the art?A: Both are intrinsically linked, interwoven at every stage. When writing books I initially create the protagonist in my sketch book, secondly the other characters, and then I create a title, which just has to be a showstopper! Then the story arc grows from there. The funnier the better. I find humour and picture books perfect partners. I wrote Drat That Fat Cat! over five years ago and showed it to my editor and art director at The International Children’s Book Fair in Bologna last year. The silly end papers had us all howling with laughter. We worked together collaboratively to strengthen the story and its publication date is this October.

Q: Do you have a cat? What would you do if one was left on your doorstep?A: I’ve had one very fat, stray cat arrive at my doorstep a few years ago, covered in fleas, wriggling with worms and creating the most horrid smells. We loved her. The idea of the highly contrasting Cornelius Van Ploof’s character in Drat That Fat Cat! comes from my beloved father. He loves order, with everything being very neat and tidy. I knew putting him and a flea-bitten, smelly cat together would drive him utterly bonkers! He’s yet to see the book. I may be in trouble!

Q: What is your favorite medium to work with?A: With an undergraduate in textiles I’m instinctively drawn to creating beautiful aesthetics and tactile surfaces and with my new found love of illustration the two are now inseparable. I love collage and incorporate it into picture books whenever I can. I believe the multi-media approach to my illustrations make them easily identifiable from other’s work.

Q: What was the process of working with your editor and art director like?A: Albert Whitman and I are on our third book together and Jordan Kost has been my art director on all of the projects. She is an incredibly talented creative to work with, professional, hard-working and we’ve developed a very close and hilarious friendship which moulds our books. She is the magical glue. I’d be lost without her encouragement, support and humour.

Q: Do you have a regular routine while creating a book?A: The routine is work, work, work. Seven days a week, lots of late nights, until it’s finally done. The best books happen when you listen carefully taking everyone’s advice from art directors, editors and publishers. Then take a breath and begin the next project.This quote is exactly how I feel: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. —Confucius

Q: Are you working on any other projects? A: I write continuously and have approximately 6-10 books in various states of completion that I visit and rework at different times. I have been very fortunate to have been commissioned three of my new titles recently that I’m going to be working on over the next year. It’s going to be a very busy but exciting time. I have also recently written a story called Charlie & Pip inspired by a non-verbal child we know as family friend. It’s a story about a child not engaging in the outside world or communicating with anyone, until she meets Pip. He becomes her voice, her emotional buffer, showing her how to interact with others. This is a book for anyone struggling to find their voice, whether it’s a language barrier, anxiety or self-confidence problems. I think it’s a special book with a story that needs to be told. I’m very proud of it.

I believe my responsibility and role as an author and illustrator is to illuminate words, suggest the magical and interpret the unspoken.

Q: What books did you like to read as a kid? What type of books do you like to read now?A: I was obsessed with any book by Richard Scarry because of all the funny details I could find, this was later replaced by Heath Robinson with his hypnotic contraptions and fabulous inventions. I adored, and still do, Dr. Seuss’s wonderful books. Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? is a favourite of mine. Now I read every picture book I can get my hands on. I’m initially attracted to the artwork but love deconstructing the narrative. Some of my favourite illustrators include Quentin Blake, Barroux, Dan Santat, and Oliver Jeffers.

​Q: Any last words?A: I love my job.​Thanks, Julia! Fall in love with that fat cat, Drat, and check out the book on our website. Find out more about Julia on her website, and don’t forget to follow her on Twitter.

BOOKS, BOOKS and more books commissioned for 2017

I've been commissioned to create a book called SNAIL MAIL for USA Hachette, Running Press which i'm super excited to finally share. This is slated for Fall 2017.

I'm very proud to be able to announce that i've signed a two book deal with Jabberwocky Books of Sourcebooks with the talented Kelly Barrales-Saylor, whom i've worked on 3 previous titles with, in her former post at Albert Whitman & Co.

September News

I'm London bound for the next Storytime Sunday event at The Bright Emporium. Come along and say hi! It's going to be fun! ​

A Look Behind The Book with the Unstoppable Julia Patton!

Julia Patton is an award-winning author and illustrator with over 25 picture books and educational titles published internationally. Her energy knows no bounds, and her books totally capture her personality and her ability to appeal to children through comical illustration and a child’s eye view. Last year Julia illustrated the Children In Need picture book, working alongside the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and Kate Moss. Earlier this year, Julia published Unstoppable Max — a book about a little boy with boundless energy — something all parents can relate to! Julia will be our story time celebrity at The Bright Emporium next week, so I caught up with her to find out a little bit more… LM

When you were little, and grown ups would ask, what do you want to be when you grow up? What did you say?I actually really wanted to be a long-necked-quack when I was very small. Secretly I still do. Scribbling, cutting & sticking came later when I created a Post Office underneath my Grandma’s kitchen table. I’d spend hours making envelopes and stamps to post to my long suffering sister, who really just wanted to be left alone to read.

Was there someone who inspired you into your career choice? One birthday when I was still quite small, my dear aunt bought me a box filled with every kind of art material I could imagine, coloured paper, pencils, paints and brushes that I drooled over. It was magical, and so was she.

What were your favourite books as a child? I was obsessed by any book by Richard Scarry because of the funny details I could find, this was later replaced by Heath Robinson with his hypnotic contraptions. I adored and still do, Dr. Seuss’s wonderful books. Did I ever tell you how lucky you are? is a favourite of mine. My Mother read to us every night until we were really quite grown up. I think she enjoyed the ritual of bedtime stories too. Every kind of book we devoured together, picture books, Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven, encyclopaedias, poetry, National Geographic Atlases etc. until we we found our own pathway in books.

What made you decide on a career in children’s illustration?I always knew my heart lay in being a creative so I followed this pathway through to my undergraduate in Textile Design which was very fine art based. I then spent many years creating greeting cards & wrap for Paperchase, M&S and other hight street stores. My interest in children’s picture books was re-ignited when I began sourcing books for my own small boys. I fell in love with Oliver Jeffers’ books initially, and my boys adore the scribbly lines of Korky Paul’s illustrations. When I realised that I was collecting picture books for my personal library, I knew it was time to go back to big school myself. I swiftly enrolled on the MA illustration program at Edinburgh University and had my first picture book published a year later. Your style is so unique – it’s brilliantly funny and I love your use of texture and mixed media. How did you achieve your final style – and what is your technique (without giving away any secrets of course!)With an undergraduate in textiles I’m instinctively drawn to creating beautiful aesthetics and tactile surfaces and with my new found love of illustration the two are now inseparable. I LOVE collage and incorporate it into picture books whenever I can. I find humour and picture books are perfect partners too. I just love laughing and be able to create something which others find funny is such pleasure. If my boys find my illustration silly, and laugh out loud funny, i’ve done a good job.​How do you come up with your story ideas? I didn’t know I could write until I met Vivian French, a Scottish author. She taught me the basic principals, but more than that, inspired my imagination, encouraged my passion and told me I COULD. So I tried. I now write as much as I’m illustrating which is thrilling. I have published two of my own titles to date and have just recently been commissioned for three more. Exciting adventures ahead!

Is Max based on anyone you know?! Yes, and no. I believe every child is Unstoppable and filled with the wonderment, unrelenting energy and hypnotic enthusiasm for adventure in their everyday lives. I have two boys so I know through experience. Unstoppable Max was a collaborative project which was born organically with the wonder team at OUP Children. The wonderfully talented and funny Helen Mortimer was my partner in crime and together we crafted our little Max into the exhausting whirlwind he is today.

What has been your favourite book so far (if there is a favourite) I’ve just completed Drat That Fat Cat which is another rather funny book about a lonesome elderly gentleman who’s very set in his ways, and the last thing he needs is one fat cat disturbing his peace and quiet. Their ensuing chaos and ultimate compromise was sensational to illustrate. I have also recently written a story called Charlie & Pip inspired by a non-verbal child we know as family friend. It’s a story about a child not engaging in the outside world or communicating with anyone, until she meets Pip. He becomes her voice, her emotional buffer, showing her how to interact with others. This is a book for anyone struggling to find their voice, whether it’s a language barrier, anxiety or self confidence problems. I think it’s a special book with a story that needs to be told. I’m very proud of it. ​I love my job. JP

A spread from Charlie & Pip

“Working with Julia is like working with your funniest childhood friend. She is wildly hilarious, warm, and kind. But she is also super hardworking and extremely professional— an agent’s dream! Julia wins people over at first with her personality, but then bowls them over with her talent. She’s got some amazing projects in the pipeline that I just can’t wait to see on shelves!” Alli Brydon, Managing Agent, Bright USA

SCBWI Featured Illustrator August: Julia Patton

I'm delighted to share that i've been selected by the SCBWI as their August FEATURED ILLUSTRATOR on their webpage WORDS & PICTURES. Read the whole interview and see the gallery pictures here. ​

My creative journey began as early as I can remember, creating a post-office under my Grandmother's table, making envelopes and drawing stamps that I 'posted' to my sister. My most precious gift was a box of glue, paintbrushes, paper and scissors given to me by a dear aunt many years ago. I have always loved cutting and sticking, scribbling and painting, as I still do today. As a child I was captivated by Richard Scarry, Dr. Seuss and illustrators such as Heath Robinson.

My undergraduate was at Manchester University studying textiles where I discovered my love for creating beautiful aesthetics. Afterwards I worked for Paperchase and Marks & Spencer for many years, creating greeting cards and wrap until I returned much later to education at Edinburgh University to study MA Illustration. This is where I learned that an image must be much more than just aesthetically beautiful, it must communicate the accompanying text.

Creating picture books is my passion. I'm a true workaholic. I'm in love with my job and I skip to my studio each morning, which is all of three paces away as my studio is a woodshed in my garden overlooking my vegetable patch. I'm lucky enough to be represented by a collection of dedicated Bright agents in London and USA who work tirelessly for me, sourcing international publishers and authors for me to collaborate with. They have seamlessly taken me from a fledgling graduate to an accomplished and globally published author/illustrator, holding my hand every step of the pathway.

A good illustrator can capture the imagination and hearts of the audience whilst visually interpreting the emotion of the characters and adventures they explore. I love the idea that nothing is impossible to render and breathe life into, which can be a quite overwhelming challenge sometimes. As illustrators we have many tangible tools of colour, tone, texture and composition at our disposal but also the responsibility to create a visual vocabulary which expresses those dramatic experiences that occur from physical and emotional journeys. With the help of the brilliant Vivian French and the encouragement from my agents, I now write my own stories. I am currently writing my fifth picture book and find that creating both the narrative and aesthetic makes me feel complete.

Every year I visit the International Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy. This is an incredible opportunity to meet face-to-face with my international publishers, strengthening those all important relationships. It's a delight to finally meet in person the individual with whom you exchange countless emails at usually very unsociable hours. Attending the trade fair is important for me to see the world's finest publishing houses under one roof, identify emerging trends and see where my work fits into the market - also who's on my next wish-list to work with.

I'm currently occupied with exploring narratives that challenge traditional stereotypes and that highlight issues concerning the challenging environments and emotions that contemporary children must navigate. My aim is to produce beautiful picture books that appeal to the target market (parents) with narratives that may inspire and resonate with my intended audience (child). ​

ASK THE EXPERTS: Fat Fox publishing

I've been invited to talk and run tutorials at this upcoming event ASK THE EXPERTS by Fat Fox publishing in September. Hurry tickets are selling out fast. I'll be discussing publishing trends, offering portfolio advice and giving you a personalised game plan on how to become 'pitch ready' to catapult your career to the forefront of children's publishing. ​

WORKSPIRATION Interview

Workspiration have asked me to answer some questions about my inspirations and creative process. Here is the full interview.​

Professor McQuark & The Oojamaflip

Professor McQuark & The Oojamaflip has been selected to be part of the Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge ​

DRAT THAT FAT CAT my second author illustrated title will be published on October 1st by Albert Whitman & Co. USA

This picture was taken by Anne my Bright USA agent. Published by Albert Whitman & Co. at BEA Chicago this month​ Drat That fat Cat's first ever meeeoooouting! Sorry! ​ DRAT THAT FAT CAT will be my 3rd Albert Whitman collaboration! See our previous books together here.

New adventures...​

.Other news involvesUNSTOPPABLE MAXbeing sold in Australia, Korea, UAE and China which is really great news and thank you to Reading Zone for their lovely review too. Unstoppable Max and PROFESSOR Mc QUARK & THE OOJAMAFLIP are going to be appearing at numerous Waterstones book stores around the country over the next few months. More details to follow. All of my new books can be found here. Thankyou too, to Jo Clarke for her wonderful review of Professor McQuark! ​

​Professor McQuark& The Oojamaflip has been selected to be part of the Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge! Yay...run to your local library!

OOJAMAFLIPIN' NEWS

"An inspiration to all young inventors!" Great reviews for Professor McQuark & The Oojamaflip!

Professor McQuark & The Oojmamaflip: Published 28th January. Maverick Publishing.Thank you very much for the kind words about this wonderful book written by Lou Treleaven. It's been great to work on and here are a few words from the Primary Times-thankyou Ethan. "Professor McQuark and the Oojamaflip grabs my attention straight way. I like the inventor on the front page. I like the inventor in the book because she is funny, she wears odd socks and only one shoe…I point this out to my mum on every page. The book is really colourful and the pictures are really good. I was a little disappointed that the book ended so quickly I wanted to read more. Mummy thinks the book is great for any child into wacky science and inventions"

Thank you to 'Over 40 and mum to one' for your lovely review too. "It’s been a great hit here. The story is told in rhyming text with wonderfully descriptive illustrations by Julia Patton"

Jill Bennet at Red Reading Hub has some delightful compliments too. "Great to see a female in the role of scientist cum inventor: the aptly named Professor McQuark should be an inspiration to all young inventors. Debut author Lou Treleaven’s sparky rhyming story is wackily illustrated by Julia Patton, whose scenes are full of zany details to pore over, and possibly provide some ideas to child inventors"

'Read It daddy' cheerful adds he loves the "Glorious rhymes, groovy illustrations. Every kid (and most adults too) secretly want to be inventors so this book has huge appeal. It's beautifully written with rhymes that trickle off the tongue like butter, and some suitably crazy illustrations in a science-mad style. Absolutely brill! We love our science geek characters, and Professor McQuark is glorious! More stories featuring this lovable scatterbrained genius? Yes please!"

Thankyou to Cheryl Pasquier better known as Madhouse Family Reviews for the wonderful review of Professor mcQuark "The book is written in rhyme, which is always great news for a story that will be read out loud at bedtime, and the hugely detailed illustrations had us smiling and pointing out all sorts of things as we read along. I thought it had a bit of a Cat In The Hat vibe going on, both in terms of the slick rhymes and the entertaining drawings. It's fun, it's quirky and it promotes science to girls. It also led on to lots of fun discussions and crafting sessions afterwards, deciding what crazy inventions we could think of and design - what more could you ask for in a picture book? star rating : 5/5"

Thankyou to www.thisdayilove.co.uk"...Professor McQuark and the Oojamaflip, is the girls favourite and one which has really inspired their imagination. As a result they have both been busy building Oojamaflips out of random boxes and materials they can find. I love books which inspire this amount of thinking in children and also ones which encourage them to be active or take an interest in a subject like science." Wonderful praise indeed!

Professor McQuark & The OojamaflipNew interview by Lou Treleaven-author of 'Professor McQuark & The Oojamaflip' Published by Maverick Publishing . Julia is questioned on her professional practice, illustration influences and style...(Pre-order your copy here:)​

More news and more books! ​

​I'm thrilled to have UNSTOPPABLE MAX reviewed in the Guardian newspaper, under the Family book reviews, as "The best books for younger children" Katherine and Magnus (4) "Opted for the sensible solution each time but did find the others very funny. The illustrations are lovely and give a great sense of a chaotic bedtime." Thank you to Emily Drabble for sharing the news on Twitter.

Thank you to the Lancashire Evening post for their kinds words. "Max is the madcap, high-energy creation of multi-talented picture book author and illustrator Julia Patton who has produced over 25 much-loved books and educational titles."​

I have new book to share called Mind Boggling Numbers written by the talented Michael Rosen and can be pre-order on Amazon.

Mind-Boggling NumbersMichael J. Rosen, illus. by Julia Patton. Millbrook, $19.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-4677-3489-9Ms. Mary Math, “the go-to wiz for mind-boggling math questions,” answers questions related to volume, distance, weight, and other topics, framed as letters from curious kids. A Florida letter-writer, “Grounded in Groveland,” asks how long it would take to send a birthday card to everyone on the planet; the answer, after some quick multiplication, is 222 years. The off-kilter scenarios proposed, which are entertainingly captured in Patton’s quirky cartoon graphics, and the off-the-cuff tone Rosen adopts for the answers keep these unconventional story problems from ever feeling like homework. “That’s a sweet thought,” says Ms. Mary of the birthday card question. “One problem: your task’s impossible.” Ages 7–11. (Sept.) Publishing Weekly​

Oxford University Press Spring launch Party for Unstoppable Max

UNSTOPPABLE MAX-it's arrivedNew postcards have arrived, books are being sent to reviewers everywhere and lovely, super-exciting messages are starting to arrive! Max will be pleased! You can get your copy here! Published by Oxford University Press. Drop me a line on Twitter is you want some postcards or hand-signed books sending to you or your school.

"Unstoppable Max" my debut author & illustrator title is being published on February 4th. I can't wait to share it with you. Published by Oxford University Press. Want to know more about how we created max? You can pre-order your copy here: Amazon. "...Illustrated with non-stop energy by exciting new author/illustrator, Julia Patton" Foyles.

Many thanks to the journalist Imogen Russell Williams who's '...an arts journalist and critic, writing on trends in children’s and YA publishing for The Guardian and reviewing and writing round-ups for The Metro' She tweeted "Julia Patton's wickedly funny multiple-choice bedtime book instantly wins the Again! Again! prize here!"

Thank you to Rahava Raamat for the following review ...'It's time for Max to get ready for bed, but his imagination just gets in the way! A picture book introducing an irrepressible new character, which permits non-stop children to channel their silliness through Max. From the illustrator of the BBC Children In Need title "Fi-Rex!"

My Really, Really, Really Big Bag of Books is full of exciting stories about really cool characters and their funny adventures. The Book People. Unstoppable Max has been chosen to be included in a 10 book story bag put together from Oxford University Press for the Book People. Called my 'Really, Really, Really Big Bag of Books' Great news! Check out this picture...

GREAT NEWS

GREAT NEWS and thank you to hive.co.uk They have called me a"Rising star's debut author in 2016"

Albert Whitman & Co.

The Curious Tale Of Fi-Rex

For the first time, some of the most famous names in music, sport and showbiz have got together to write a one-of-a-kind story for BBC’s Children in Need. THE LITERARY PROJECT IS SET TO PULL IN MILLIONS FOR THE ANNUAL CHARITY FEST THANKS TO SOME TOP CELEBRITY BACKINGJoined-up effort: Children in Need’s Fi-Rex was penned by stars including Denise Van Outen, Kylie and Paul McCartneyIt is a children’s book written by the stars and set to make ­thousands for charity.For the first time, some of the most famous names in music, sport and showbiz have got together to write a one-of-a-kind story for BBC’s Children in Need.

Right direction: The 1D boys appear in the book as a boyband called Pond DirectionThe Curious Tale of Fi-Rex, the adorable story of a little girl who is half-human half-­dinosaur, has been penned by 25 celebrities including One Direction, Sir Paul McCartney, Denise van Outen, Coleen and Wayne Rooney, Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster and Kylie Minogue.Speaking about her ­involvement, Denise said: “I was filming EastEnders at the time and would write some of the page in between scenes on the set of Albert Square.Art for charity: Children in Need’s Fi-Rex is set to make thousands for the charity “It was quite funny coming up with this cute little half-girl half-dinosaur tale whilst Phil Mitchell was rehearsing in the background.”On Sir Paul’s page he resurrects the famous Frog Chorus characters from his 1983 hit We All Stand Together, while the 1D boys appear as a frog band – called Pond Direction.

Home bird: Children in Need’s Fi-Rex pages by Denise Van Outen

Kids’ writing: Denise van Outen says she was working with EastEnders when she wrote her pagesEach celeb was asked to write one page but they were only allowed to see the last line of the previous page.Denise explains: “I was told who the main character was and I was shown the last sentence of Wayne and Coleen Rooney’s part of the story, and I had to carry it on in my style.”On her page, Fi-Rex rips open an ­envelope and is presented with a piece of golden paper with a riddle written on it. Denise added: “The idea of reading my daughter Betsy a story at night that I wrote part of is very special. I was excited to be involved.Spinning around: Kylie Minogue’s pages featuring Fi-RexKylie talented: The Aussie’s contribution to the charity tome“I am having my part of the story which has been illustrated so beautifully framed and put up in Betsy’s room.”Other stars involved in the project include Jamie Oliver and Tom Daley.Bringing the wacky yarn to life is renowned artist Julia Patton.Frog Chorus: Paul McCartney brings back his much-loved musical animals for his pagesLegendary artist: Paul McCartney’s talented in the art and music departmentsThousands of pounds were raised in a Bonhams auction of the stars’ pages this week at The Library, London, and now people can bid for signed copies ­themselves at fi-rex.auctionlots.co.uk.The online auction boasts the remaining eight signed pages, including by Take That, and will run until Children in Need night, November 13 and details can be found hereThe Curious Tale of Fi-Rex is available to buy in hardback (£12.99) and paperback (£7.99) from WHSmith and Tesco. To order the paperback for the discounted price of £5.99 with free P&P call the Mirror Bookshop on 0843 060 0022 or write to Curious Tales of Fi-Rex Offer, Mirror Bookshop, PO Box 60, Helston TR13 0TP

Celebrity Launch of BBC Children In Need book. The Curious Tale Of Fi Rex October 1st Bonham's London. An animated Fi-Rex has been unveiled.A life-sized Fi-Rex has been commissioned for the launch! London Book Fair, Olympia, April 2015 Launch of The Curious Tale Of Fi-Rex commissioned by Fat Fox Books ​

More frog hopping news about Fi Rex In the Daily Mirror. May 22nd 2015

Festive fun & frolics at the London Christmas Ideal Home Show at Olympia on the 26th November 2015. Seen here swapping books with the quite brilliant and utterly charming Steve Anthony.​

BBC Children In Need launch & auction of The Curious Tale Of Fi-RexOctober 1st was the official launch and auction of the book at the superb venue Library St.Martins lane London. Attended by industry leaders and celebrities organised by the incredible talent of Holly Millbank of Fat Fox publishers. I was introduced to the heads of Tesco, Waterstones & WHSmith, a rare treat and we heard the pre-order numbers of the books are just enormous to raise money for this incredible cause. Read here for all the news from the Mirror and Mail who covered the launch in both their weekend newspapers. The launch was covered by the BBC on You Tube video and can be seen here and the release of The Curious Tale Of Fi-Rex animation is BRILLIANT and can be seen here. The live auction for the last few pages can be found here: Very exciting news!

Commission & Greeting Card News

Here is a sneaky-peak of a private commission for the Senior Editor of Harper's Bazar -Middle East. Master fox was given his own custom designed luggage labels , postcards and wall art. Cute!

After working with Paperchase and other hight street outlets for many years, here is another collaboration with Tigerprint for M&S. New Greeting Cards Range published by Jodds'Well Said' range designed and illustrated by Julia Patton. Deeply embossed cards- mini-sized range available. 120 x 166mm.For more information contact Hannah at Bright Art Licensing.